Cops launch murder probe after attack victim dies in hospital
Tragic Paul was left for dead following ‘brutal’assault
22.01.2018 Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was battered and left for dead just yards from his front door.
Paul Mathieson, 37, was subjected to a “sustained and brutal” attack after buying a pizza on his way home from a night out in Renfrew.
He received serious injuries to his head and face and was left for dead in Wilson Street at around 1.10am on Sunday, January 14.
He died in hospital in Glasgow in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Detectives probing the murder say the unprovoked attack was caught on CCTV, which shows Mr Mathieson, of Houston Street, speaking to another man before being savagely battered to the ground.
He lay there for some time before the alarm was raised.
His cousin posted a moving tribute online following the news of his tragic death.
Louise Trivett wrote: “Can’t believe this has happened, sleep tight wee cuz and say hello to the others up there with you.”
Officers have stepped up their hunt for the killer.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Fergus, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “From our enquiries so far, we know that Mr Mathieson was the victim of a sustained and brutal attack by one man and that he died as a result of his injuries.
“Mr Mathieson, who was quite well-known in the Renfrew area, had been out for the night and was heading home after buying a pizza from a nearby fast food shop, when, on CCTV, he is seen talking to another man, in Wilson Street. Then, for some unknown reason, the man attacks him, punching him to the ground and striking him several times before making off towards Houston Street.
“Unfortunately, Mr Mathieson lay for some time before he was found by a member of the public who called the emergency services.
“We have traced a number of people who were seen in the area on CCTV, and although their information has assisted our enquiry, we have still to trace the man responsible.
“We need to trace Mr Mathieson’s movements that night and speak to those who may have seen him.
“He was in the Kind Man’s pub in Hairst Street and the Western Bar in Main Street, Renfrew, earlier on the night and then popped into a takeaway near his home to get something to eat.
“Renfrew town centre would have been busy at that time, so did you see him out and about then or have you any information that may help us trace the man responsible for his murder?
“As I said, this was a sustained and brutal attack which would seem unprovoked, and I am appealing to anyone who can help us catch his killer to get in touch with police as soon as possible.
“Additional officers will be in Renfrew town centre, particularly around Houston Street and the surrounding area, speaking to people there to see if they can remember seeing or hearing anything that may assist officers with their investigation.”
Anyone with information should contact the MIT’s incident room on 101.
Alternatively, calls can be made in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.